Potter on the fluid breaks
Photo: Eakin Howard/AP/TT

Potter on the fluid breaks at World Cup: changes the dynamic

So-called cooling breaks during the World Cup protect the players' health in the American summer heat. Good, Graham Potter says. But he also notes: The matches are played in four "quarters". It's not two halves anymore. That changes the dynamic. The breaks can change things. That's obvious.

Advertisement

A three-minute fluid break approximately in the middle of each half not only gives players time for a brief recovery and replenishment of water, sports drinks and other items they may need.

The time can also be used for tactical discussions and directives.

Obviously that's the case, says Potter.

This is an advantage if the game is hectic in the first 22-23 minutes. This gives Potter the opportunity - without having to shout instructions from the technical area - to gather the players and talk tactics.

It would be a disadvantage if Sweden gained an advantage.

But Potter isn't complaining.

It is what it is; it's not our decision and we adapt.

Team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf says he didn't think much about the fluid breaks. He is positive about the idea.

I think it might be quite nice for the players to drink water and unwind a bit, he says.

The World Cup opener against Tunisia will be played at 4:00 a.m. local time at Monterrey Stadium.

In this story
AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
Was this useful?

What do you think?

Keep readingmore from Sports

All